MPC X

Does that mean you con't like the Ren?
Because back when it was the only game in town, I got the impression you were a supporter...

 

..."The MPC-X is a flagship, hardware MPC like the great models that has come before it ..."

...but wasn't that what akai tried to tell us when they released the ren???...

 

I know that's the case, but I can't wrap my head around this mindset in 2017. For some reason, to me, having a MPC X in my studio, where I already have my monstrosity of a computer with a plethora of 3rd party plug ins, and using it in standalone would be like closing all of my windows in the middle of the summer and trying to stay cool with a box fan when I have central air.



Don't get me wrong. Singing in to the box fan is a lot of fun, but it's not as much fun as using a vocoder or Melodyne if you understand the analogy....

FWIW, I really like the MPC X. My favorite drum machine of all time was my MPC 3000, and this kick's the 3000's ass, but in 2017 I have no idea where this fits in to my current modern day setup. It's a standalone, but it's too big to travel with, and too limited to work with in my home studio set up. So how would I use it? Where does it fit in?

This is why I have a feeling that after this thing is released and the dust settles, and the gear lust begins to fade away, all of the current interest in the MPC X will disappear rather quickly. No matter how good of a standalone it is, at some point, you're going to end up back at the computer. As I'm typing this right now, I can't help but feel a profound sense of irony as I was one who was very reluctant to using software and computers at the center of my studio, but times have changed. I've found that it's much better to embrace the technology rather than fight it. So, I would rather see all of these competitive companies, NI, Ableton, and Akai Professional work on improving their software and how their software interacts and integrates with other software. I really feel that in 2017, the consumers would benefit a lot more from that than from starting a new "stand alone" competition.

Just my $.02.

 

Very good point. From this perspective, these new MPCs are pretty much just sketchpads on steroids. Without being able to use all your tools and toys, standalone mode would always feel like a studio away from the studio. Even if it's actually right in the middle of the studio. As I've said before, though, a Mk2 stuck to a laptop (or a Studio with a NUC stuck inside it) would be preferable to me.

But, of course, there are other people with other perspectives (e.g., hardware only) that will be interested in these. They certainly give the Octatrack, for example, a run for its money, even if it does seem like it would be a different crowd.

 

... and then use overbridge to bring it back into the computer

 

Yes, true. But without at least a screen controller or GPU the screen will lag like the Touch.
And i don't think it would be much cheaper as an controller only.
And i think ppl will also like to keep the CV and Phono, ...

 

Overbridge is not and cannot be part of Octatrack.

 

They would be buying from the wrong people or ripping off their customers then.

 

Btw. It's all useless. Ppl already working on a new shiny bling bling to beat the competition (see thread here)
We need no better Software ! we need a new controller !

 

The MPC Ren was released over 4 years ago. The MPC-X is a better unit in every aspect.

@NAMM yesterday, everyone that received the demonstration replied "game changer." I agree with their assessments. But again, it is not a cell phone. Keep using what you are using now if you are satisfied.

If you were an Akai, NI, or Ableton beta tester (I have friends / acquaintances that are...), you would know that hardware and software integration is a high priority.

 

I agree with you One Million Percent, KB. Like you said, it is Lust at the moment because it is Big and cute but FTMP, the better option will be the Live among alot of producers for its portability. I mean, it is the same OS (MPC 2.0) and the days of lugging the 2500 or 2000 around have long past so carrying the X around would to me, only be unnecessary bravado just to say you can plunk down that 2Gs, Also, alot of producers still have the Ren in their studios (as evident by the hands on vids on Youtube) so I am not of the opinion that they will just toss them to get the X, when they can keep the Ren and still get the functionality of the X in the Live.

Just adding my pennies as well.

 

The MPC-X hasn't been released. Once MPC Ren users get their hands on the X, the Ren's will be headed straight to eBay.

 

We will see. If watched for some time now. And all i have seen is Akai really trying to get it working and to become better.
Sure with bugs and also a long period of silence, but at least i have the feeling they try.
I hope they got it right this time. And maybe ... I'll have an MPC-X too next year

 

Hm. Most costs are the screens (Main and OLEDs) i guess. And the soundcard if it's really a much better one then in the Ren.

 

MPC Software 1.0 was a long time ago. 1.7 and beyond is where Akai finally started to deliver on great features and stability.

 

2.0 introduced lust and bravado

 

"everyone that received the demonstration replied "game changer."

...yep...8 outs and 16gb on board storage without even the need for it is truely game changing...

 

wrong u can do the whole beat; in the these mpcs they are full workstation studios, if I want to record live musicians or play keyboards I can do it directly and bounce to wave or mpc directly from the box in standalone mode.

What Im seeing is lokey hate; people are playing dumb like they dont see the benefits, but if NI released a standalone they would see the benefits, they just dont like the fact that the other team is winning.

also there may be some people who grew up in the post hardware age so they cannot conceive of the pre computer age where we listened on cassett or vinyl, they understand a hardware device because they grew up with a laptop or tablet where everything is integrated.

whereas old folks grew up in a on device per purpose era; like u had ur tv, than separate to that you had your radio, then separate to that you had your record player, then you had your walkman and so on, whereas this era all those functions are combined in a laptop or tablet.

but if it aint for you cool; also a word on the software MPC software has been rock solid since I got it; but in particular from 1.8.2 onwards its been full featured